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ParonychiaPronounced: par-oh-NICK-ee-ah
by
Michelle Badash, MS DefinitionParonychia is inflammation or infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. It may be acute, which means it just started. Chronic means it causes problems for 6 weeks or more.
CausesAcute paronychia is often caused by bacteria. It enters through damaged skin such as torn cuticles, cuts, or cracks. Chronic paronychia may be caused by an allergen or irritant that you come in contact with often. Risk FactorsThings that may increase your chance of paronychia include:
SymptomsParonychia may cause:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor can see paronychia during the exam. A sample of the pus may be taken. It will help find the germ that is causing the problem. The doctor may also ask about work or hobbies that may be linked to the problem. TreatmentAcute ParonychiaMinor swelling or redness may be treated by warm water soaks. Antibiotic creams or gels may be given as well. It can be placed on the skin. This type of paronychia often heals within 5 to 10 days. More severe infections may need extra care. Pus may build up in the area. It can cause a lot of pressure and pain. The doctor may need to drain the pus. A part of the nail may also be removed. Antibiotic pills may also be needed for some infections. Chronic ParonychiaInflammation is the main problem of chronic paronychia. Cortisone creams can help to ease inflammation. Good skin care is also important. Contact with irritants will need to be avoided. Surgery may be needed if these steps are not effective. Symptoms may go away with treatment. The nail or tissue around the nail may have some permanent damage. PreventionTo help reduce your chances of paronychia:
RESOURCES:American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases https://www.niams.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Dermatology Association https://dermatology.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Paronychia. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 29, 2021.
Paronychia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/paronychia. Accessed January 29, 2021. Leggit J. Acute and chronic paronychia. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(1):44-51. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Shawna Grubb, RN Last Updated: 1/29/2021 | |